Everything you need for ceramics. Attentive and knowledgeable staff. Affordable firing.

I would give this place no stars but i am giving one... The communication with employees to customers is very rude and disrespectful. I will be driving the 3 hours to Santa Cruz to take my items to the ceramic supplies knowing I will be notified correctly about when my ceramic items are ready. read more

One-stop shop for all your ceramics needs, and classes, await you at Alpha Fired Arts! A stalwart in the ceramics world for decades, I had heard of Alpha when my teacher in high school made supply orders. I really enjoyed that class and have continued to make tableware for myself and gifts for others every several years since, including while in Los Angeles. Everything is easy and low stress here, and fast! The studio space is nice and big compared to many out there, with good wheels and reasonable building space. They have all the stuff, from extruders to slab rollers and do have capacity for some bigger pieces. You can buy a ton of glazes and several clay options. I really enjoyed my class. The teacher was friendly, patient and skilled. You get the bonus of using the studio when open while you take classes, so you can make quite a large volume of pieces if you have the time. Firing (twice) is included with the classes. If you like ceramics, or someone in your life does, head over to Alpha Fired Arts for all the goodies. read more

This review is about the intro to wheel throwing pottery classes offered here not the store itself: The class is usually once a week for 5 or 6 weeks. Realistically you may not be able to have fully glazed and fired pieces in those 5-6 weeks if you only go to the class time, especially if you're a beginner since there's a learning curve. You really have to put in a lot of time outside of the class to get there which unfortunately I don't have with my work and person schedules and wish I knew beforehand. Definitely would have changed me signing up especially since I don't live in the area. The class price includes access to the space for that amount of time, so I would have had to either put in a lot more hours outside the class to finish my pieces or pay another couple hundred of dollar to have access to the space after the class cycle ends. Personally that extra cost was not worth it to me considering everything else and again wish I knew it beforehand. The class style is an instructor shows a demo and then you get right to the wheel which is great for folks who like to throw themselves fully into the experience. I personally like having a little more support/shape something together to learn the process together than try to memorize and re-create but again that's just my personal preference. The instructor was super nice and willing to spend some time with you individually to help with the techniques. It is a communal space which I painfully learned after leaving a large amount (1/3 of a block) of clay to dry overnight to wedge only to find it taken. Someone even told me there's a few folks there that have a tendency to take whatever clay they can find lying around and that's just how it is. That sucked since it is expensive to do the class and buy the clay. Lesson learned, definitely be careful of what you keep in the space. I wish there was more signage around for the newbies. I also learned that wheel thrown pottery is not an easy feat and this class did show me how much work, effort, and time goes into hand crafted pieces so my appreciation of the art has definitely increased! read more

Came here recently with my 3 year old in tow and they were extremely patient with us as we did our mini paint project for Father's Day gifts about a week and a half go. Was extremely pleased we got to pick up the week of Father's Day weekend. I hadn't made the expectation because I understand sometimes depending on how busy their schedule is with their oven - you might not be able to pick up for a couple weeks. The turn-around was very quick for us this time and I appreciated that!! I don't know if I would necessarily recommend to younger children like my son. But I think I would go back with my oldest son or even by myself as a little art outlet. You have to be patient with the process as you need to build up the layers of color for more vibrancy. It involves letting the colors dry between layers for optimal results. The colors start out muted but with glazing and firing in the kiln - they turn into vibrant beautiful pieces of work! read more

Alpha Fired Arts - Mugs! - Paint-Your-Own Pottery Near Me - Sacramento, California

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My kids and used to come here when they were smaller. I was happy when they said they wanted to go again. The staff is always very friendly and helpful, and the art studio where we paint the pieces is super clean and organized. We are eagerly awaiting for our pieces to be ready! read more

Really friendly staff, was given clear instructions and shown where everything was to paint. Tables were almost full when we got there so we lucked out! We painted for about two hours and never felt rushed. Was helped numerous times if needed and always felt welcomed. Can't wait to see how our two pieces we painted will turn out! read more

Great place for a date or activity where you can paint premade ceramics, it can be a little pricey but everything is provided for you, including the firing. Also a great place to take lessons and either learn hand building or pottery. read more

My friend and I went to Alpha Fired Arts for a fun Saturday afternoon activity of painting pottery together. Unfortunately it was weird vibes from start to finish. First, they were almost completely out of their selection of bisque ceramics despite advertising having the "largest selection" so we were stuck picking random pieces we didn't really want. Second, I generally got unfriendly vibes from the staff but I can't articulate how and why. Third, their point of sale was down so they said they couldn't call us when our pieces were ready and instead we'd have to call to check ourselves, which just doesn't make sense because they had a paper with our phone numbers? Third, they messed up my piece! I put a little face on the dish I painted and they smudged the paint of the mouth. I know it was them who messed it up and not me because I took a photo of my piece right before I left. I am super disappointed because I was so excited about how good it turned out (I'm not very artistic). Their saving grace is the spinning wheel you can put your piece on while painting. I've never seen that at any of the other pottery painting studio I've been to and it is a game changer. Overall, I might try a different pottery painting place where that is their main business (I got the vibe that the pottery painting was a tertiary concern for Alpha behind their supplies and classes). However it's nice to have this type of creative indoor activity available in this neighborhood. read more

Alpha Fired Arts - Before and after glazing. I'm really disappointed that the staff smudged the paint under the face. - Paint-Your-Own Pottery Near Me - Sacramento, California

This review is long overdue. I was here last year, sometime in April-June. First timer. We enjoyed painting our mugs. The cashier/lady and gent at the front wasn't chirpy as we entered the front door. it doesn't matter to me. I paid for the service and my mug, just give me paint and help me set it. The price is pretty reasonable. Painting area is small but clean. It was filled that day, a Saturday. I wish we have arrived 3 hours earlier so we would have more time to think of exactly what we wanted on our mugs. But wait, I love my mug. So did my kid. Look at 'em, yes? read more

Alpha Fired Arts - Paint-Your-Own Pottery Near Me - Sacramento, California

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The two stars is for the perceived abundance of supply, equipment and facility available. Everything else I couldn't speak to, other than business concept and customer service. I had my two girls home with me for Winter break (read: I don't normally have time nor money to pay up for long term classes that are located half an hour of traffic away from me, sorry I just don't have that kind of commitment in me) When we lived in the Bay Area, a few times we frequented pottery/clay/ceramic studios where for a nice fee we could shape a piece of clay, paint it and have it fired. Seems surprisingly simple? I always thought so. So, I walk in to Alpha Fired Arts with my two girls at 11 am. The place was deathly empty besides the four employees. I inquire about GIVING THEM ALLLLLL MY MONEY for my two girls to mold a ball of clay while I sit with them an enjoy a bonding experience. This idea apparently confused the worker. She said Alpha Fired Arts offers classes for kids and classes for adults. I don't want to do that. I want to give them all of my money right now to just shape a plate or a bowl and call it a day. I understand I would need to come back and pick it up after it's been fired. But we don't get that far because.... They don't do that. They don't welcome walk-in visitors who are curious about clay. Ok, I say. Do you know of any place in the Sacramento area that encourages art through molding of clay? She says no. Again, a really pathetic answer because.... you are a clay business and you don't know of any other business in a 50 mile radius that also has clay? How do you not know your "competition"? Usually art studios are filled with passionate, creative people so knowing your market seems typical, but not here. Then another employee interjects and says I can purchase all the clay, the tools, paints and do it at home and then come back and have them fire it. I look at the 6 or so empty tables immediately and directly behind her, about 10 feet away and I immediately wonder why we can't use any of their empty tables, but rather drive home- or better yet drive to the Starbucks down the street- and do it there before returning to have them finish it? They offer classes, parties, and have an entire warehouse studio there for the purpose of molding clay and creating art. But they tell us No, to take it all home and do it somewhere else. So..... ok. Bye read more

Great place to take kids & spend time painting their ceramics should stay open longer but nice outing

Everything I needed, all my questions answered by the lovely staff about how to go about working with an old kiln. So happy I came here!

I'm a novice clay artist and am thrilled to have a local place to buy glazes, tools, and get advice. I see that serious artists can rent space and time to work on their clay art. There's a display case of beautiful and whimsical pieces that are fun and inspiring. The wide variety of fired pieces ready to glaze are so much fun! I love the examples they have for every piece so you can get a sense of how they might look glazed. I also love how they have many pieces glazed using a variety of the glazes they carry. It really gives you and idea of how they look when fired. The 'bad' part is that I fall in love with the look and end up buying a lot of glaze!!! And for a little bonus, they always have delicious cookies and coffee by the door. How sweet! read more

My son took their summer ceramic class and also their Thursday evening class. He loves it. He made so many things during the summer class I don't even know how they made any money. Both the teachers are very nice. My son was 7 over the summer and is 8 now. I totally recommend their kid classes. He made plates, bowls, a dog, a ceramic bird house, etc. read more

Alpha Fired Arts - Paint-Your-Own Pottery Near Me - Sacramento, California

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I've been here three times in the past year. So far I am not impressed. But I will qualify that comment below. 1) if you are looking for a place to do "crafty" projects, this seems like a good place but I cannot comment on that aspect. It appears that you can paint and glaze pre-made ceramics and have them fired. Look at the other reviews for info on this aspect of their business. 2) If you are potter who throws or hand builds, I find this place lacking. The service is meh. and the selection of tools is ok. They have a range of tools from beginner to some good MudTools stuff, but expect to pay dearly. I just moved to the Sacto area from a place that had very little in the way of supplies but great studios. This "studio" looks like more of a recreational studio and the work I saw people working on reflected that. I had asked about clay types since I wasn't familiar with the clays they offered and it seemed that I could get more info from the Laguna web site than the people that worked there. I don't know how many of the staff throws. I wanted a good selection of throwing bodies and was pointed at the shelves but it didn't seem like they were very experienced throwers. That's not a criticism, just an observation. The guy that checked me out was an older guy that seemed like he had checked out a few years ago. And when I asked about getting some empty clay bags he said they didn't have any and I should just use plastic grocery bags. Duh. If I wanted thin easy to tear bags I would have done that but I wanted the heavier bags clay comes in for a reason. Maybe I'm being picky, or maybe I'm asking for clay people to be more down to earth like most of the potters I know and try to help other potters. I will go back here only if I need to but their service doesn't MAKE me want to spend my money there. If this was an isolated case, that's one thing but each of the three times I visited it was the same meh service. read more

This used to be my favorite place to buy clay and supplies. The people that worked here were always so helpful and the selection was outstanding! I got away from throwing pottery for a couple of years and just recently got back into it so I needed to restock. I been to Alpha twice in the last couple of months and on one occasion I was basically ignored. It sure wasn't the service I was used to getting at Alpha. Previously I had taken classes at my local community college and all my pieces were fired there, but now I was going to be firing my own work. On my other recent visit to Alpha, I had some questions about using iron oxide, or slips and stains. The salesperson looked at me like I was crazy. I thought maybe I was using the wrong terminology until I went to another shop in National City while visiting family in San Diego and they knew exactly what I needed and didn't make me feel like I was stupid. I used to recommend Alpha Fired Arts to all my artist friends, but not anymore. I've even heard similar stories from some of my friends which is why I will be checking out Clay People and Leslie's Ceramics this week. Hopefully I will have a shopping experience similar to what I used to love at Alpha. read more

LOVE IT HERE. Love it. This place far surpasses the chic-chic "Paint Your Own," overpriced pottery-painting abodes. Alpha is a bit more industrial looking, but it's because they mold and fire all of their own stuff. They have an adorable little area where you can do your painting, and a huge selection of things to paint. And...wait, don't faint on me, maybe you should take a seat...you'll be able to afford to paint a piece of stoneware here! You won't have to give up your left arm so that you can take home an illustrated dinner plate! This is a great place to take kids, or just go by yourself or with some friends. Alpha rocks. read more

Good location, parking etc. Staff was helpful although they looked at me like I was stupid, It was my first time so of course I have no clue what I am doing. The price is great but an had many supplies but I ended up paying money to buy a tool when they already had some for me to use. ......Too bad they didn't mention it, waste of money.. other than that it was a nice environment. read more

I absolutely LOVE this place. A friend of mine and I have been a couple of times. We'll go in on a Saturday, pick a piece or two to paint. And just relax, chit chat and paint 'til our hearts content. :) Lots of ceramics to choose from - dishes, vases, boxes, animals, piggy banks, etc. They have all the supplies ready for you - glazes, brushes, stamps, bowls, etc. Decent prices for ceramics and studio time. They'll fire the piece for you and you can come pick it up after a couple days. All in all, a great place to go to get your ART on! :) read more

I had seen the work of a ceramic artist I liked and was trying to find more of her work, and that led me to Alpha Fired Arts. They say they are the largest ceramic supply store in Northern California. You can buy clay supplies, there is studio space and firing services for members, and they offer classes, they also have paint your own ceramics that would be a fun thing for parties, and they show works from professional clay artists, and there are some wonderful examples on display around the store. If you turn up feeling a bit peckish you can help yourself to cookies and coffee. I signed up for their email announcements so I can be notified of upcoming shows. read more

- The selection of things to paint was decent. I wish they had more. - They offered cookies and coffee, which was nice. The mint chocolate cookies were delicious. - Wish the employees were a bit more attentive. I had to assume to wash and clean up after I was done painting, which I would have preferred not to do since I am already paying ~$9 to paint. - Wish all the puff paint bottles worked. read more

A one stop shop for all your ceramic/pottery needs. Friendly staff who will go out of their way to make sure you get what you need, without trying to up sell you. They even tell you if you can get something cheaper at another store. I love these guys! read more

Alpha Fired Arts - Paint-Your-Own Pottery Near Me - Sacramento, California

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This place is great! Very reasonable prices, big selection, and you can paint or work with clay. The staff is super friendly and down to earth and helpful. Very homey, artsy feel. It was about $17 for my daughter to paint a cat piggy bank. read more

Alpha Fired Arts - My daughter making a Cheshire Cat bank. - Paint-Your-Own Pottery Near Me - Sacramento, California

The staff are friendly, patient, knowledgeable, and not judgemental. The store is stocked with all my ceramic needs plus more. If they don't carry something in store they have helped me find it in catalog order. They are also generous with sharing their knowledge. read more

Picked up an order, they forgot the clay... brought to the car & realized they also forgot a little $5 item, went in and the man there made it very clear that they suspected me or my wife of attempting to steal! Not sure if it's a race thing but when your are Hispanic and wife is Black you have to wonder........ Too bad read more

I discovered this place through "Groupon" and I'm so glad I did! The staff was soooo helpful and patient and explained everything very thoroughly. The prices are more than reasonable, especially when you consider all of the paint and other supplies that are included. While I was searching for the perfect ceramic piece to paint they had already set up my little personal paint station ready for me to get started when I got back. Now I want to take my niece there as I witnessed how patient they are with kiddos too. Would also be a fun place for a few hours during a "Girls Day" or something to that extent. read more

Was in here a couple days ago over the weekend as a total clay newbie. The gentleman working there kindly answered all of my questions and led me in a great direction as to what kind of clay to get for my next sculpture. Had a phenomenal experience and look forward to coming back :) read more

I made my first visit to Alpha Fired Arts today... probably my last. My experience was similar to another reviewer, Dan S. There were several staff in the store, but no one offered to help me. I finally caught one woman to ask for some assistance finding some tools and supplies. When I needed help locating a particular clay and some other items, she was not knowledgeable at all and suggested I ask at the register. I got the sense that she didn't know anything about pottery or clay. An older man was at the register, and he didn't seem to be interested in helping me find the clay I needed for my project, nor did he want to take the time to explain the differences between the various clays so that I could make an informed purchase. I felt like he couldn't be bothered to help me. The staff are unfriendly and not helpful at all. I made a 45-minute drive to visit the store and I expected more based on their advertising asserting that they are "Northern California's Largest Ceramic Supply Company." I was ready to make a large purchase of supplies today, but thanks to the poor service, I'll shop elsewhere. read more

Took my 3 y/o there today and they were friendly, helpful and (best of all) patient with my little creative, hand-painting diva. They showed us where to choose a piece to paint and had a place set up for us in the studio by the time we were done. I don't know if the prices are cheap but it was reasonable - $7 for my daughter to sit and use as much paint as much as she wanted and then the cost for the piece. It came to $14. And when the piece is fired they will call us and let us know it's time to pick up. They have tons of paint to buy (tons!) and they even have an area in the back where you can throw your own pieces on wheels. I think they have classes too. Best of all the bathrooms were clean and didn't make me cringe when the little had to sit down! It's the little things I guess. Wonderful experience. I will definitely be going back. read more

So I'm not a pro artist or anything, I've been in a ton of times to use their paint studio and I'm totally digging it! The staff is beyond helpful and are well organized. The finished products I've gotten are really great keepsakes and fun decorative things that are way cheaper than buying them at the stores. Great times!! read more

Walked in and was greeted with professionalism and without the attitude that my questions would be inconveniencing. Purchased clay for 4 small enthusiastic kids to make their masterpieces from a slab of clay. We did all the pounding and forming at home for a well spent afternoon and returned the pieces for the first firing. Upon our return for paints, again, courteous and helpful support provided by the staff. In one hour, the masterpieces were painted, returned for the final firing. These gifts made it under the tree, supplies purchased in September 2012!! The joy of making each "work of art", the respect for items the kids now see "ready made", and the time spent is worth the drive from Elk Grove. This is our current go-to place without a doubt. Thanks for the fun... read more

This place is awesome! Super helpful staff. Neatly organized shop. I went to buy some clay and tools. The lady that checked me out was very nice. She asked me if I was a student, and I got a discount because of that. Then she helped me load the heavy clay into my car. I will not hesitate to return for all my future ceramics purchases. read more

Felt like crap the moment I asked a question. Pretty much you NEED to know what you are doing. If you ask what kind of clay they might recommend for a certain style you will get told, "you really should take a class". I have never felt so shitty inside an art store before, and I will never be returning. No help, and felt like I had to be an art snob to even step foot into their store. You also can't rent studio space there if you aren't "in their eyes" a pro. You will get told, "we don't want to feel obligated to help you". To which I replied, "Then...don't...help???" read more

This review is for the Wednesday class. I was just visiting Sacramento so I took this class while I was there. I love this place and miss it so much. I found nothing like it in the Bay Area, which is kind of a surprise! It's very reasonably priced, Tony is definitely a character which makes it fun and interesting, and the ladies of the group are so nice and welcoming - and very willing to share their knowledge. I am still amazed at the talent of the people that work in clay there - truly inspiring! You can work at your own pace and you can go any time to the studio to practice. And they have a wonderful supply of paint and everything you need. I wish I could transport Alpha Fired Arts to Marin - it's such a wonderful place to work in clay! read more

Really nice studio for painting your own ceramics. The customer service at alpha is great, everyone is very friendly and had helpful tips throughout my visit. Their prices are better than both places I check out in Roseville and the Roseville studios were not friendly. I have had very enjoyable experiences at alpha and I am always super excited to come up with a new project to go back before I even leave the studio. Each time I've been at alpha painting I have over heard interactions with other customers and alpha staff is very friendly to everyone and very accommodating to customer needs. The staff seems very in touch with the community, each time I've been there have been people who stop in and it seems like old friends catching up. Really a great experience at alpha every time over the last couple years. read more

This place is really fun. My daughter and I go here on Saturdays sometimes just to relax and catch up. They sell all kinds of supplies, offer classes, and also do birthdays. We go there and pick an unpainted piece and sit in the paint studio and paint it. The rates are reasonable and we usually get out of there for about $30 for the two of us for one or two pieces each. The staff is very friendly and helpful. The pieces when painted on Saturday are usually ready by Wednesday so not a long wait. This place is hidden away and a real gem. read more

What an amazing experience!! My daughter wanted to paint something for her 14th Birthday so we went to Alpha Fired Arts! An amazing selection of pieces to paint!! Paints, brushes, stencils, all the tools and stuff you could ever imagine using. The staff was especially awesome!! Super friendly and exceptionally helpful!! We will definitely be back!! read more

It was my first time going to Alpha Fired Arts and I had brought my daughter for her birthday to do some studio time in the pottery studio. I was treated very rudely by the staff upon our visit. They claimed that their pottery studio was an adult only facility and that she could not come in. Their website has images of children on it. They said it was a strict policy and I very calmly explained that I had not seen anything on their website signifying that their pottery studio was adult only but I had driven 40 miles from home and it was her birthday so I asked if they would make the exception to let her sit and watch as I used the wheel. I explained that I am a professional artist myself and I have learned to use the wheel properly and that she simply wanted to see how it was done and they refused. After stating this one employee said to the other "it's your call" and that employee explained again it was a very strict policy and went on to say in a very rude tone "if we just let everyone and their kid come in here and use the facility we'd have to do it every time." Even to just watch, they still wouldn't let my daughter in. My daughter is 10 years old and was very patient and when I asked her what she wanted to do she said "it's okay I don't want to do the pottery anymore" Her birthday surprise was ruined. read more

Not very kid friendly....took my granddaughter thinking there would be assistance for crafts but there wasn't, we were showed where the paints were and that was it, which is kind of difficult if you are not crafty yourself. Music was adult oriented and other than the lady greeting us when we first entered, not very much interaction from the staff......will not go again, looking for more instruction and bright, cheery, atmosphere that will encourage the kids to be creative. I left with the feeling it was more of a place where people took the crafts they have done elsewhere to be fired and finished. read more